The Best Sequel Pro Alternatives for Mac in 2026
For years Sequel Pro was the default answer to “what's a good MySQL client for Mac?” — free, open source, fast and genuinely pleasant to use. But the project is no longer actively maintained: it has not shipped a stable release in years, and users regularly run into problems on newer macOS versions and with MySQL 8 features such as its default authentication method. Most people searching for Sequel Pro today want one of two things: something that feels exactly like it, or something more capable. Sequel Ace answers the first need — it is the community-maintained fork that carries Sequel Pro's interface forward. The rest of this list answers the second, with clients that add multi-database support, stronger editors or AI assistance. Every tool below runs on macOS and connects to MySQL and MariaDB; we compared them on familiarity, maintenance, features beyond MySQL and cost.
Chat2DB
Top pickAn AI-first database client that turns natural language into optimized SQL across MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, SQL Server, MongoDB, Redis and 20+ databases. Includes a visual editor, AI-powered optimization and dashboards, with a free open-source Community edition.
Best for: Developers and analysts who want AI-assisted SQL in one client for every database
Sequel Ace
The free, open-source, community-maintained fork of Sequel Pro for macOS. It keeps the familiar Sequel Pro interface for MySQL and MariaDB and continues to receive updates, but it runs only on Mac and does not connect to other database engines.
Best for: Former Sequel Pro users who want the same app, still maintained
Visit website →TablePlus
A fast, native client for macOS, Windows, Linux and iOS with a clean spreadsheet-like interface. Great performance and keyboard-driven workflow; the free tier limits open tabs and advanced features require a license.
Best for: Developers who value speed and a native, minimal interface
Visit website →MySQL Workbench
Oracle's official free tool for MySQL with visual schema design, administration and migration utilities. Deeply integrated with MySQL server features, but limited to MySQL and heavier than modern lightweight clients.
Best for: MySQL-only workflows and official server administration
Visit website →DBeaver
A veteran open-source client supporting a huge range of databases through JDBC. The free Community edition covers most day-to-day work; the UI feels dense, and advanced features live in the paid Pro version.
Best for: Teams that need maximum database coverage at zero cost
Visit website →DataGrip
JetBrains' commercial database IDE with deep code intelligence: smart completion, refactoring and version-control integration. Powerful for engineers who live in JetBrains tools, with a steeper learning curve and subscription pricing.
Best for: Engineers already invested in the JetBrains ecosystem
Visit website →Beekeeper Studio
A modern open-source SQL editor for Windows, macOS and Linux with a clean interface, tabbed queries and support for popular relational databases. The Community edition covers core workflows, while paid editions add collaboration and advanced features.
Best for: Developers who want a friendly open-source SQL client with a modern interface
Visit website →Our verdict
Chat2DB is the best all-round replacement for Sequel Pro in 2026: it keeps the quick connect-browse-query workflow Mac users loved, adds PostgreSQL, SQLite, SQL Server and 20+ other databases next to MySQL and MariaDB, runs on Windows and Linux too, and brings an AI assistant that writes and explains SQL against your schema. If you simply want Sequel Pro back as it was, install Sequel Ace — it is free, open source and by far the most familiar option. TablePlus is the pick for a fast native client across several engines, MySQL Workbench for official MySQL modeling and administration, DBeaver for free, wide-ranging database coverage, DataGrip for JetBrains users, and Beekeeper Studio for a clean cross-platform open-source editor. Whichever you choose, it is worth moving production connections off unmaintained software.
Try our #1 pick for free
Chat2DB is an AI database client for Windows, macOS and Linux. Connect MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, SQL Server, MongoDB, Redis and 20+ databases, and write SQL in plain language.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sequel Pro still maintained?
Not actively. Sequel Pro's development stalled years ago, and its official builds have not kept pace with newer macOS versions or with changes in MySQL 8, which is why many users now see connection errors or crashes. The community created Sequel Ace as a fork to continue the work: it keeps the familiar Sequel Pro interface, is free and open source, is distributed through the Mac App Store and GitHub, and is maintained by volunteers. If you still run Sequel Pro, Sequel Ace is the lowest-effort upgrade, and its interface will feel familiar from the first minute.
Is there a Sequel Pro alternative for Windows or Linux?
Sequel Pro and Sequel Ace are macOS-only, so teams with mixed operating systems need something else. Chat2DB, DBeaver, DataGrip, MySQL Workbench and Beekeeper Studio all run on Windows, macOS and Linux, and TablePlus offers apps for macOS, Windows and Linux as well. Choosing a cross-platform client means everyone on the team shares the same tool and workflow regardless of their machine. Chat2DB also offers a web version, so you can run MySQL queries from a browser without installing anything.